SHANGHAI, China, January 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

Strategic partnership to build a world-class automotive seating supplier

Shanghai Yanfeng Johnson Controls Seating Co., Ltd. (YFJC), a leader in the Chinese automotive seating industry, celebrates its 15th anniversary.

YFJC, the joint venture between Johnson Controls and Yanfeng Visteon, was formed 15 years ago. By leveraging Johnson Controls' core product and technology portfolio, YFJC provides automakers with a full range of seating solutions that support the differentiation of their vehicle brands. YFJC's products range from standard four-way to luxury 18-way seats, from components such as metal structures, mechanisms, foam, trim and headrests to complete seating systems.

In the past 15 years, YFJC has gradually achieved vertical integration in the entire production chain and has become the largest automotive seating supplier in China. It is also Johnson Controls' biggest seating joint venture in Asia in terms of scale, management and technology.

In addition to domestic business, YFJC delivers seating products to 19 countries. YFJC has 35 manufacturing and engineering facilities across China and employs more than 14,000 employees. A strategic footprint has been formed with Shanghai as the national center and Yantai, Nanjing, Chongqing and Guangzhou as four regional hubs.

As part of Johnson Controls' global innovation network, YFJC is dedicated to enhancing its innovation, design, engineering and testing capabilities. Its technical center has more than 450 engineers who average more than eight years of work experience. The center's technical capabilities cover innovation, advanced engineering, product development, consumer research, industrial design, benchmarking, prototype and testing capabilities such as sled testing for seating products.

Through product platforms, YFJC provides customers with integrated and modular solutions that can meet all levels of requirements. YFJC has developed many self-owned intellectual properties that are specially designed for the Chinese market.

Both partners praised YFJC's achievements.

"Fifteen years ago, a common goal brought Yanfeng and Johnson Controls together. We both committed to build an automotive seating and components company with complete development capabilities, a full range of product solutions, advanced manufacturing processes, competitive cost, world-class quality and delivery services. YFJC has achieved recognized success in these areas, proving that our decision 15 years ago to partner with Johnson Controls was perfectly correct," said Ma Zhen'gang, deputy general manager from Yanfeng Visteon and chairman of YFJC.

"As a seating manufacturer that is committed to the local market, YFJC's success represents Johnson Controls' success in China," said Johannes Roters, group vice president and general manager China, Johnson Controls Automotive Experience, "We believe YFJC will further integrate resources from both companies."

About Johnson Controls

Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in more than 150 countries. Our 170,000 employees create quality products, services and solutions to optimize energy and operational efficiencies of buildings; lead-acid automotive batteries and advanced batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles; and interior systems for automobiles. Our commitment to sustainability dates back to our roots in 1885, with the invention of the first electric room thermostat. Through our growth strategies and by increasing market share we are committed to delivering value to shareholders and making our customers successful.

About Johnson Controls Automotive Experience

Johnson Controls is a global leader in automotive seating, overhead systems, door and instrument panels, and interior electronics. We support all major automakers in the differentiation of their vehicles through our products, technologies and advanced manufacturing capabilities. With 240 locations worldwide, we are where our customers need us to be. Consumers have enjoyed the comfort and style of our products, from single components to complete interiors. With our global capability we supply approximately 50 million cars per year.

For more information, please contact:
Johnson Controls GmbH
Automotive Seating
Industriestraße 20-30
51399 Burscheid
Germany
Oliver Herkert
Tel.: +49-2174-65-4348
E-Mail: oliver.herkert@jci.com
Internet: http://www.johnsoncontrols.co.uk   
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